Our scripture this morning is Luke 6:32-36.
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to be repaid, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, so that they may be repaid in full. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to ungrateful and evil people. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Jesus explains how we are called to be different, loving without any expectation of return. He has shown us the example of selfless love; we are to love one another because God first loved us. This is the Greatest Commandment – Matthew 22:37-40.
When we do something for someone but want something back, it is a human transaction. Jesus asks us flatly “what credit is that to you? Even sinners do the same”. When we follow His teachings, we do things based on God’s love for us rather than earthly gain.
Jesus wants us to watch over each other in love, sharing the blessings we have been given. We know we can’t earn our way into eternal life, but accepting Christ’s sacrifice and living in connection with God assures us of salvation. May we go to love the world as Jesus does.
Merciful God, we are amazed that You are willing to forgive us our sins and bring us back to a loving relationship with You. Bless us to be energetic servants, sharing the joy we have found through Christ our Lord. Amen.
